Getting your own gym equipment for home workouts is a thrilling step towards your fitness journey. But hey, let’s not forget about the lifespan of these tools.
After all, you’re spending your hard-earned cash on them, right? So, it’s wise to think about how long they’re going to last.
In a hurry? Here’s a quick answer
Gym equipment can last anywhere from 7 to 15 years. This depends on what type of equipment it is, how often you use it, the quality, and how well you maintain it. For instance, treadmills, strength machines, and barbells/weight plates can serve you well for about 10, 20, and even more than 20 years, respectively.
But, don’t get me wrong. This doesn’t mean that your gym equipment will last forever.
However, with the right care and maintenance, even a budget-friendly piece can last longer than you’d expect.
So, stick around as we dive into the average lifespans of different gym equipment, and share some secret tips to keep them in tip-top shape.
The Lifespan of Gym Equipment
When you talk about gym equipment, it often correlates with a home gym setup which includes bells, exercise bikes, and weight plates too.
On the other hand, if you’re looking at performing strength exercises regularly, you may need a different set of accessories.
No matter what you buy, choose quality over quantity. Don’t invest for the short term and feel bad about its depreciation. Honestly, this is where most fitness freaks go wrong and rip their pockets.
Based on experiences shared by gym equipment users, I’ve crafted a table tabulating the lifespans of each type.
| Equipment | Lifespan (in years) |
| Treadmill | 7-15 |
| Exercise bike | 10-20 |
| Strength machine | 10-20 |
| Barbell | Lifetime |
| Dumbbell | Lifetime |
| Ellipticals | 10-20 |
| Weight plates | Lifetime |
| Leg press | 15-20 |
| Bench | 15-20 |
| Cable machine | 15-20 |
| Rowers | Lifetime |
| Strength racks | Lifetime |
| Free weights | 20+ |
If you look at the table, it’s evident that the longevity of cardio equipment is 7-20 years, depending on the frequency of use, intensity, and quality of equipment. When the impact is high, the likelihood of wear and tear is also high.
On the other hand, the longevity of strength equipment is at least 20 years, and most can last forever. Remember to prioritize maintenance routines, as these can fetch better returns on investment.
Nevertheless, equipment involving regular lubrication needs more maintenance. On the other hand, equipment like weights, dumbbells, and barbells can usually last forever and also require limited maintenance.
Tip: Invest only one time and choose the best in the market!
What Can Shorten Gym Equipment’s Lifespan?
I bought the best gym equipment out there, but it started depreciating in no time. If that sounds like your story, you should know that there are several factors contributing to the lifespan of gym equipment.
Product Quality
Most fitness enthusiasts buy gym equipment as a bundle at discounted rates. That isn’t a wrong thing! However, that can be the start of a journey toward faster depreciation.
A piece of new equipment should last at least 3/4th of the average lifespan. If you’re purchasing used equipment, it might last only a short time. It also alerts you of the proper inspection round required to go with that perfect equipment.
So, how do you assess? You can either engage your trainer to purchase one or take reviews about the brand online. This will let you make a balanced decision.
Improper Installation
This isn’t new if you’re a beginner. Perhaps, we rush up to fix the equipment without knowing if it’s installed properly. In general, it’s equipped with a manual to install it rightly.
This is a serious issue with larger ones like treadmills or other ellipticals. As the lubrication happens, you can experience a faster depreciation. Above all, spares can depreciate in no time, leaving behind a poor experience or even a device-caused accident. You don’t want it, do you?
Poor Maintenance
When you own gym equipment, it comes with the responsibility of regular maintenance and repair. Dust, believe it or not, can significantly speed up the wear and tear of these machines.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you’re neglecting your equipment, but it does highlight the importance of proper upkeep. Here’s what maintaining your gym equipment should ideally involve:
- Cleaning dust
- Ensuring proper usage (no slamming or harsh usage)
- Imposing the right level of pressure
- Abiding by instructions in the user’s manual
- Addressing any issues early
How To Make Your Gym Equipment Last Longer?
Having known that the average lifespan of gym equipment is between 7 and 20 years, it’s time to evaluate potential methods to extend longevity.
In my experience, it’s very much possible with a bit of effort!
- Train your staff if multiple people are using the same gym equipment. This needs to be done firsthand to avoid potential deterioration, equipment-caused accidents, and wrongful handling.
- Inspect your gym equipment regularly (in other words, daily). This helps you catch an issue at an early stage and fix it on the go.
- Create a maintenance checklist for daily, weekly, and monthly schedules. Don’t forget to wipe off the dust before you use it.
- Take opinions from experts on maintaining the equipment.
In any case, extending your gym equipment’s lifespan zeroes down to maintaining it with the necessary parts/elements to smoothen the performance.
How Often Should Gym Equipment Be Replaced?
If you’ve purchased a quality piece of equipment and your maintenance routine is in place, you don’t have to replace gym equipment for at least 15-20 years. For certain other materials, replacement isn’t required at all.
Alternatively, if there’s a high level of use (such as in commercial gym centers), you need to replace gym equipment when you spot any of these signs:
- Throws safety concerns frequently
- Doesn’t function normally
- Burns your pocket with new repairs
- Crossed its estimated lifespan
- Your gym needs an upgrade
- Deteriorates to a poor state
If it’s used single-handedly, the longevity can certainly increase. With multiple users using equipment in commercial establishments, customer retention matters, and it calls for regular upgrades/changes of the equipment. It satisfies customers and also lets you take over the competition in the market.
How often should you clean gym equipment?
Maintaining cleanliness in your home gym is just as important as in a commercial gym. Regular cleaning ensures your equipment lasts longer and helps prevent the spread of germs and bacteria, especially if multiple people are using the equipment.
The frequency of cleaning your home gym equipment can depend on several factors, such as how often the equipment is used, the type of equipment, and whether or not the equipment is shared with others.
However, as a general rule, cleaning your equipment after each use is a good idea, especially if you’re sweating or the equipment has high-touch areas.
Here’s a general guideline for cleaning home gym equipment:
- After Each Use: Wipe down the equipment with a towel to remove sweat, and then use disinfectant wipes or spray to clean high-touch areas.
- Weekly: Do a more thorough cleaning of all equipment, including weights, resistance bands, yoga mats, and cardio machines. Use a disinfectant spray and let it air dry.
- Monthly: Conduct a comprehensive deep clean of the entire gym area. This includes cleaning the floors, mirrors, and any storage areas.
- As Needed: If there’s visible dirt, dust, or a spill, clean it up immediately.
Remember, these are just guidelines. Depending on your specific situation, you may need to adjust the frequency of cleaning.
Wrapping Up
The lifespan of gym equipment varies greatly, ranging from 7 to over 20 years, depending on the type of equipment and its quality.
It’s important to note that the longevity of your gym equipment is not solely dependent on the product itself but also on how it’s used and maintained.
Regular cleaning and proper handling can significantly extend the life of your equipment, making it a worthwhile investment for your home g
